London, Boriswood, 1934. First Edition. First Impression. Hardback. Three [3] volumes, being an inscribed first edition, a limited edition and a proof. A science fiction novel concerning a a visitor from the future ovserving the present day [Locke, vI, p57; Bleiler, p46]. Bleiler has it as a supermen novel with visitors from elsewhere. The first edition, in the jacket, is inscribed by the author 'To Margaret / from / Kay / May 4th 1934' The Margaret in question was Burdekin's (Constantine) close friend and collaborator Margaret Goldsmith. Goldsmith and Burdekin collaborated on the 1940 novel Venus in Scorpio. A lovely association copy. The book is also signed as Murray Constantine to the title page. Also offered is a limited edition that was limited to 12 copies and five presentation copies. The 12 copies are noted as being numbered. The present copy is signed, but neither numbered nor carrying a presentation inscription. We assume therefore that it's either out of series, or a presentation copy without inscription. Also present is a proof copy; probably the scarcest of the three volumes. The proof has numerous corrections throughout, though no indication is given. Condition is generally very good. The proof has a tear to the spine at the upper wrap and a little wear to the head of the spine. The spine and upper wrap have had the title written on. The limited edition has a glassine jacket on it, a little shorter than the book. No indication as to whether this was issued with the book or not, though the glassine is very much aged so has been there a good few decades. One chip to the lower edge of the glassine. The bevelled, paper-covered boards are in excellent condition if a little bronwed where the glassine doesn't reach. Proud Man order form laid in. Offsetting to endpapers. The first edition is in the jacket, some tears, the longest, V-shaped, to the top of the spine and another to the fore corner. Spine toned. tick-shaped tear to spine. Tape to inside where the two tears have been fixed. Internally very tidy, with a few creases to some leaves. A very interesting lot. [6865, Hyraxia Books].

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